Saracens coach stays silent on Venter's media absence
Saracens head coach Joe Shaw declined to say whether or when director of rugby Brendan Venter will resume media duties, despite the club already facing a fine over his absences.
Saracens head coach Joe Shaw declined on Wednesday to clarify whether, or when, director of rugby Brendan Venter would return to media duties. Asked about the situation ahead of the club's upcoming match against Sale, Shaw said he would only discuss rugby matters, leaving questions about the club's position to the club itself.
Venter was absent from Wednesday's pre-match press conference, from Prem Rugby's pre-season launch day, and from any media duties surrounding the opening-weekend win over Leicester.
Possible role change
The Daily Telegraph reported on Tuesday that Venter had "resigned" as director of rugby and taken on a new role described as "head of rugby culture and wine consultant." Neither Saracens nor Prem Rugby has confirmed this. It is also understood that a change in job title would not necessarily exempt Venter from his contractual obligations.
Saracens have reportedly already been fined £5,000 after Venter failed to attend Prem Rugby's pre-season launch day.
The club announced in January that Venter would return as director of rugby but has not publicly confirmed any change to his day-to-day responsibilities since then. Venter succeeded Mark McCall, who stepped down at the end of last season after 15 years in charge.
